team 137

Coach Hoke and his staff have made a habit out of filling recruiting classes up rather early with little to no defection. That trend has already started again in the 2016(!) class with the very early commitment of OL Erik Swenson. Swenson is just a sophomore but already stands at 6’7” and tips the scales at right around 300 lbs. His size, athleticism, and rather solid technique for a young player has earned him some big-time offers from the likes of in-state programs, Illinois and Northwestern, along with Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech. As soon as Michigan offered him he wasn’t shy about naming the Wolverines his leader and it was only a matter of time before he made it as official as he can for now.

As a sophomore what kind of a player is Erik Swenson right now? What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

I’ve already gotten a lot faster and stronger off the ball. I still want to develop my punch so I can really deliver a blow to somebody. My pass blocking is probably my biggest strength right now and I wouldn’t say I really have a weakness just some things to perfect.

When you arrive in Ann Arbor in a couple of years what kind of player do you want to be then? How would you like to be different from now?

I just need to be bigger, stronger, and faster. The rest of it will come with training and coaching.

I know you’ve been to Ann Arbor quite a few times. How many visits have you made and why do you like going there so much?

I’ve been there six times and they get better and better each time. The people, city itself, the coaches, the facilities, the restaurants. I just love it up there.

Liking it so much did you ever even think about anywhere else?

Northwestern was a little hard to say no to, but not that hard compared to Michigan. (Laughs)

You mentioned the coaches, tell me about your relationship with them.

They’re wonderful! Their wives act like they’ve known you for 20 years already. You can just tell that they all really care about you. The entire family feel is not forced at all. It’s very genuine.

So when did you definitely know that Michigan was going to be the place for you?

Right after the Notre Dame game. I wanted to wait until my season was over to announce it but I knew it after that game. I just knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else and no other college could compare to Michigan.

Tell me about how your commitment actually happened.

I called Coach Funk on Sunday night (11/24) telling him that I wanted to verbally commit and then on Saturday at the game I was able to shake all of the coaches hands and they just smiled and said welcome to the family.

The commits for Michigan are notorious for being close before they even arrive on campus. Has that started for you yet?

Yeah a little. Ian Bunting is probably #1 as far as who I’m closest with right now. All of the guys are friendly though. It was easy to see during my last visit.

I know there are only a few 2016 with offers from Michigan right now but are you eyeing anybody to recruit?

Not really yet. I tweeted at Issac Nauta soon after I committed. I’m definitely eyeing him for sure!

The number 77. What’s that mean to you and especially to you at Michigan?

Yeah man, I talked to Coach Hoke about that already. I just asked how do you get #77 and he said that he picks if you are worthy enough to wear it. That was pretty much it, but I know it’s a big deal.

Legends numbers, The Big House, the history. Tradition is obviously a big deal at Michigan. What does it mean to you to be a Michigan Man?

I think it is a great honor to be considered a Michigan Man. I can not wait to play on that field.

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Erik Swenson is another great ambassador for the Wolverine football program. He was very polite and well spoken and his passion for Michigan is very clear and he will wear the uniform as proudly as anyone. He has a chance to be one of the highest rated offensive linemen in the midwest so nabbing him this early is a pretty big deal. He already has near prototypical size for a left tackle and he still has two more years of high school ball to hone his skills and grow. He could be an absolute monster by the time he gets to Ann Arbor. The number 77 has to be earned and after talking with him I think Swenson will earn it.